The Complete Day-of-Surgery Checklist for Orlando Patients
You've done the hard part, scheduled the procedure, completed pre-op appointments, and got your clearances. Now it's the night before, and there's a quiet anxiety that has nothing to do with the operation itself.
It's the logistics. The unknowns. The question "what do I actually need to do tomorrow?"
This checklist is built specifically for patients having outpatient procedures at surgery centers and hospitals in the Orlando area — from what to pack to what happens at discharge.
The Night Before
This is where most people underestimate the preparation required. You'll be fasting the morning of surgery, possibly anxious, and operating on less sleep than usual. Don't leave anything for tomorrow.
* Stop eating and drinking at the prescribed cutoff—usually midnight or 6 hours before your procedure. Missing this gets your surgery postponed or canceled.
* Shower with antibacterial soap if instructed—many facilities performing orthopedic or abdominal procedures ask for a chlorhexidine shower the night before and morning of. This reduces surgical site infection risk significantly.
* Lay out everything you're bringing—clothes, documents, and personal items. Set it all out tonight.
* Confirm your companion—family member, friend, or professional. Florida surgical facilities will not discharge you without a responsible adult present. If you don't have someone confirmed, do it now.
What to Bring
✅ Photo ID
✅ Insurance card (front and back)
✅ List of current medications (name, dose, frequency)
✅ List of allergies (medications, latex, foods)
✅ Pre-op paperwork completed and signed
✅ Glasses or contact case + solution (you'll remove contacts before surgery)
✅ Loose, comfortable clothing to wear home — easy to put on over bandages or IV sites
✅ Slip-on shoes or flip-flops — you may have a wrapped foot or unsteady balance
✅ Phone charger
Do NOT bring:
❌ Jewelry or valuables—you’ll be asked to remove everything
❌ Large amounts of cash
❌ Children without a separate adult designated to care for them
Morning of Surgery: Timeline
2–3 hours before arrival: Wake up, shower with prescribed soap, take only the medications your surgeon approved for the morning of surgery (usually heart or blood pressure medications with a small sip of water—confirm with your surgeon)
1 hour before arrival: Leave for the facility. Build in a buffer—Orlando traffic is unpredictable and being late can delay your procedure or bump it entirely
At the facility: Check-in → insurance processing → pre-op nursing assessment (vital signs, IV placement, medication review) → anesthesiologist visit → surgeon pre-op visit → OR
Plan for 3–5 hours total at the facility: 1–2 hours pre-op, the procedure, and 1–2 hours in recovery before discharge.
What Discharge Actually Means
Discharge is not the moment you're back to normal. It's the moment the facility transfers your care to you and your companion.
Before you leave, a nurse will review your discharge instructions — medications, activity restrictions, wound care, follow-up appointments, and emergency contacts. Your companion must be present for this conversation. Post-anesthesia cognitive impairment means you may not retain what you're told. Your companion is your backup memory for the next 12–24 hours.
Under Florida law (AHCA Rule 59A-5), surgical facilities cannot release you to a rideshare or unaccompanied transportation. A responsible adult must be physically present.
The First 4 Hours at Home
This is the highest-risk window. Your body is still processing anesthesia.
❌ Do not drive under any circumstances
❌ Do not make important decisions—financial, medical, or legal
❌ Do not drink alcohol—it interacts dangerously with anesthesia and pain medication
❌ Do not take any medications not prescribed for post-surgery
❌ Do not be alone—even if you feel fine
Your companion should have water and light snacks ready, help you get settled, manage your first medication doses, and monitor you for warning signs.
Need a Companion? MyAppointmentPal Can Help
If family isn't available, MyAppointmentPal provides professional discharge companions for Orlando patients:
✅ Physically present at the facility for discharge
✅ Receives instructions alongside the nursing staff
✅ Drives you home and stays during recovery
✅ Meets Florida's legal responsible adult requirement
Book Your Post-Surgery Companion → https://www.myappointmentpal.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have anyone to take me home after surgery in Orlando?
Florida surgical facilities require a responsible adult escort—not a rideshare, not a taxi, and not a waiver. If family or friends aren't available, a professional post-surgery companion service like MyAppointmentPal meets the legal requirement and stays with you through recovery.
Can I use Uber or Lyft to get home after outpatient surgery in Florida?
No. Florida-licensed ambulatory surgical centers cannot legally discharge you to a rideshare service. The responsible adult must accompany you home and stay with you—a rideshare driver doesn't qualify.
How long will I be at the surgery center in Orlando?
For most outpatient procedures, plan for 3–5 hours total: 1–2 hours pre-op, the procedure itself, and 1–2 hours in recovery before discharge. Ask your specific facility for an estimate based on your procedure.
What if I need to cancel because I don't have a companion?
Before canceling, contact a professional companion service. MyAppointmentPal can often accommodate bookings with shorter notice. A same-day cancellation may incur fees from your surgical facility—it’s worth exploring all options first.